Annabel, Rugby Player - Real Skin Stories
Annabel started struggling with her skin at around 16, and it quickly became something she thought about constantly. She'd always been confident in who she was, but when her skin was at its worst, she was definitely her own harshest critic. She’d sit in front of the mirror wishing her skin looked different, feeling like she couldn’t leave the house without makeup. It’s a cycle people don’t talk about enough, wanting to cover your skin, even when you know it might make things feel worse.
As a rugby player, she's used to challenging stereotypes, but her skin was something she found much harder to be confident about. It affected how she felt socially, in photos, and even day to day.
Annabel had tried so many different products and routines, but nothing really felt like it suited her skin. Then, she came across 47 Skin through an ad and decided to give it a proper try. After a couple of months of consistent use, she started to notice her skin feeling calmer and more manageable, and over time, she felt more comfortable in herself again.
Now, she feels confident going about her day without makeup, focusing on the things she loves, and not overthinking her skin. The biggest difference hasn’t just been how her skin looks, it’s how she feels.
Q: Looking back on your journey, were there any places or situations you used to feel anxious about because of your skin?
A: All the time. I tried to surround myself with positive people and I’ve always had confidence in being myself, but I was definitely my own harshest critic. I would sit in the mirror staring at my skin wishing it looked different, thinking “if I had clear skin I would be prettier.”
As a rugby player I already feel like I challenge a lot of stereotypes, so having acne as well just added to that pressure. I found it really hard to believe I was still beautiful when my skin was at its worst, especially because I didn’t see many people online sharing that reality.
It’s such a tough place mentally when you feel like you can’t leave the house without makeup on. I’ve always believed in natural makeup, but when you have chronic acne you feel like you have no choice but to cover it. It becomes a cycle, because the more makeup you wear, the more your skin can feel congested, but it’s also the thing that helps you leave the house. It’s something people don’t talk about enough.
Q: Is there one particular memory that’s stayed with you from when your skin was at its worst?
A: I remember looking in the mirror and feeling both physical discomfort and just really low mentally because nothing I was trying seemed to improve my skin. It felt like so much effort every day just to feel okay in myself.
I also remember being at school when a friend with very clear skin had a couple of spots and said her skin was “so bad.” I remember thinking how different our perspectives were. It really taught me that everyone experiences their skin differently, and comparison doesn’t help.
That’s one of the reasons I want to share my story, to show the reality of it and help people feel less alone.
Q: How did you first hear about 47 Skin, and what made you decide to give it a try?
A: I first saw an ad on Instagram. What stood out to me was the money-back guarantee, because skincare can be so expensive and I had already tried so many different things.
When nothing seems to suit your skin, you can start to feel quite hopeless. So the idea of trying something new with that reassurance made it feel like it was worth a try.
I also liked that it felt different to other products I’d seen.
Q: What’s life like for you now that your skin has improved?
A: I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin. I’ve never been someone who enjoys wearing lots of makeup, so being able to go about my day feeling confident without it is really nice.
As an athlete, it’s also helped me feel more focused on my performance rather than worrying about how my skin looks in photos or social settings.
After matches or social events, I can just get ready quickly and enjoy myself without overthinking it.
Outside of sport, I feel more relaxed taking photos and being present in moments, which I didn’t always feel before.
Q: What would you say to someone who’s struggling with their skin right now?
A: You are not less beautiful or less worthy because of your skin. Your skin might feel like the first thing people see, but the people who matter will see you for who you are.
Also, don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone’s skin journey is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. If anything, I just want people to feel less alone in it.
Q: When did your skin journey begin, and what was that time in your life like?
A: My skin started to change around 16 when I began hormonal birth control. It became something I struggled with for a few years.
Even when I stopped, my skin didn’t immediately improve, which was frustrating. I remember feeling like I had no control over it.
It was difficult seeing friends with clear skin and feeling like I couldn’t relate to that experience.
Q: What were your main skin concerns?
A: Hormonal cystic acne across my cheeks and forehead. It was very persistent, often red and inflamed, and felt like a constant cycle of one breakout after another. It could feel really tiring dealing with it every day.
Q: What did you try before discovering 47 Skin and how did it make you feel?
A: I tried a wide range of products, cleansers, serums, creams and treatments. Some were quite harsh on my skin, and others just didn’t seem to suit me.
After a while, it became quite draining, constantly trying new things and not feeling like I was making progress.
Q: Physically, what did a bad skin day feel like for you?
A: Painful at times. I also used to pick my skin, which made things worse and more uncomfortable. It’s not something I would wish on anyone.
Q: How often did you think about your skin, and how did it affect your mental health?
A: Pretty much all the time. It affected my confidence a lot, especially in photos or when meeting new people. I would often overthink pictures or ask for them to be deleted, which is sad looking back.
Q: Tell us about the products in your current routine and how they fit into your day.
A: When my skin was at its worst, I kept my routine very simple.
Morning: rinse with water, apply serum, moisturiser and SPF
Evening: cleanse, apply serum, moisturiser
Keeping things consistent and simple worked best for me.
Q: How did your skin and confidence change over time while using 47 Skin?
A: After using the serum consistently for a couple of months, I started to notice changes in how my skin looked and felt. Over time, my skin felt calmer and more manageable, and I became more confident going out without makeup. That gradual change made a big difference to how I felt day to day.
Q: What difference has 47 Skin made in your day-to-day life?
A: I feel more confident being myself. I don’t overthink photos anymore and feel more relaxed in social situations. I also feel more comfortable just enjoying life without worrying about my skin as much.
Q: What can you do now that you used to avoid before?
A: Go out without makeup, be spontaneous, enjoy being active outdoors without thinking about my skin.
Q: What would you say to your younger self about your skin journey?
A: It will get easier.
Be yourself, take the photo, go out and live your life.
You are your own biggest critic and you are still beautiful regardless of your skin.
